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Posted May. 22, 2008, 3:59 p.m. ET
RIP Dominic Chianese, Jr.?
By David Hershkovits
The latest update to the update is that Dominic is still among the living -- or so says the source of the false rumor to begin with. So anyway, we love you Dominic and stay out of trouble. See you when you get back to NYC and we'll drink a Diet Coke together.
I wrote the following post earlier upon reading in a blog that Dominic Chianese, Jr, an old friend and downtown personality had died. Now reports are questioning the veracity of that story. Either way, we love you Dominic and hope that all is well.
The name Dominic Chianese is familiar to most people as the actor who played Junior on The Sopranos. Those of us on the downtown nightlife scene knew another Dominic, a funny-faced doorman/actor/stand-up comedian who'd worked at all the major clubs over the years in one capacity or another. It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that Dominic Chianese, Jr. has died (according to a [now false] report on Good Night Mr. Lewis).
Dominic was a friend and frequent MC at Paper events. He was in our first Beautiful People issue and I feel his loss very deeply. Things never came easy to Dominic. An immensely talented dude, he was handsome and charming in a New York character actor kind of way. He acted in numerous movies and TV shows (including with his dad in a couple of Sopranos episodes), but the big break he was waiting for never arrived. I remember him hosting a downtown standup show at Undochine (a club that once existed under the Indochine restaurant) where I first saw John Stewart perform. Larry Fishburne is another long-time Dominic supporter. Dominic also MC'd my bachelor's party and we spent many hours hobnobbing on the nightlife scene. God bless. May he rest in peace!
Comments
Hi David.
Was just browsing the Paper blog on a weekend holiday getaway. When I clicked on Dom's name, I thought I would be reading some news about a new show he might be MCing or an acting or stand up gig.
He was one of the first people I met when I arrived in New York fourteen years ago when he hosted at the Blue Angel. He was a gem, a bolt of neon light, a smile that went on for days.
He will be missed.
Rest in peace Dominic. Now the angels get to laugh with you instead of us mere mortals.
x.,
Susan Kirschbaum
Posted at 11:48 p.m. ET on May 23, 2008 by Susan Kirschbaum
If true I'm sorry to hear it but a wonderful guy? This man had a lot of enemies and seemed to love making them.
http://www.esquinany.com
Posted at 5:46 p.m. ET on May 24, 2008 by guest
I can't imagine the Dominic I grew up with and love ( and recently had dinner with )had alot of enemies. I m so happy to hear that he's ok and if he is in Florida and needs anything he can count on his old from Dena to help in any way
Posted at 6:30 p.m. ET on May 30, 2008 by dena
Hey! Please read the fine print. Dominic is apparently still with us.
Posted at 1:03 p.m. ET on Jun 02, 2008 by Davidpaper
Dominic was a good man, he was my uncle and unfortunately still is. hes with me writing this right now and thanks for the kind words. If you knew he was still alive would you say the same things?
sincerely Dominic and family
Posted at 9:41 p.m. ET on Jun 02, 2008 by Joseph Scarpati
Hi David,
The irony is, Dom has in a way been reborn. He is standing next to me and it is Grace and Love that has given me my brother back. He rocks, and I think the positive energy and loving thoughts that you and others have sent him over the years contribute to the person he is today!
Peace,
Rebecca
Posted at 9:52 p.m. ET on Jun 02, 2008 by Rebecca Chianese
There's an 800 lb gorilla in the corner in the couple of places online where this story has shown up. Can the so-called journalists please do their jobs? - what DID happen? Was this merely a vicious rumor with no basis in reality? How does a story get started about a rehab, a crack dealer, multiple shots fired and a guy killed? Not to be crass but really - can we get some real journalism here instead of slanted pre-mortem eulogies? Paper IS a magazine, right?
Posted at 10:49 a.m. ET on Jun 07, 2008 by guest
so HAPPY to hear all is well-Dom I think I saw u awhile ago-by the time I got across the place u were gone. If u need anything don't ever hesitate to call on an old friend!!! Dena
Posted at 2:54 p.m. ET on Jun 11, 2008 by Dena Bagon
"Dominic was a good man, he was my uncle and unfortunately still is."
Great Freudian slip, nephew Joseph. We couldn't agree more.
Posted at 10:38 p.m. ET on Oct 12, 2008 by sergebecker
I'd love to hear from Dominic Jr. I believe I was his 3rd grade teacher in Brooklyn.I need to get even for the nights sleep lost due to his idea of fun!
Posted at 8:35 p.m. ET on Dec 17, 2008 by Len Kaufman
Hey Dominic! You're not dead! Right? These fucking bloggers, but whatdaya gonna do right? Jesus Christ, I hope you're not dead. You struck me as a together kinda guy. I heard there was I rumor I was dead but really I just moved to Detroit. I think the rumor was inspired by some graffitti shit but, anyway, I met you 17 years ago. Me: blue body paint and 16 years old. I was a model in some dumb "fashion show" at Danceteria. You: funny door guy concerned about me getting home safely. I later ran into you around town, at events, on the street in the LES and you were always kind and looking out for me. God bless. I enjoy your work and hope you get more. XO
Posted at 5:23 a.m. ET on Jan 11, 2009 by Penny Bowler
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